Tragedy Strikes as Medical Helicopter Plunges into Sea Near Japan, Claiming Three Lives

A medical helicopter crashed into the sea off southwestern Japan, resulting in the deaths of three individuals, including the patient being transported, according to the Japan Coast Guard. The incident occurred as the aircraft was en route from an airport in Nagasaki Prefecture to a hospital in Fukuoka.

The coast guard reported that three survivors pilot Hiroshi Hamada, 66; mechanic Kazuto Yoshitake; and 28-year-old nurse Sakura Kunitake were pulled from the water after being found holding onto inflatable lifesavers. Suffering from hypothermia but alert, the trio was rescued by coast guard personnel. An official, speaking anonymously to The Associated Press as per protocol, confirmed their condition. Authorities later corrected the initial misspelling of Yoshitake’s first name.

Tragically, the bodies of 34-year-old medical doctor Kei Arakawa, 86-year-old patient Mitsuki Motoishi, and her 68-year-old caretaker Kazuyoshi Motoishi were retrieved from the scene by a Japan Air Self-Defense Force helicopter. The coast guard mobilized two planes and three ships to assist in the rescue efforts.

The helicopter went down under circumstances that remain unclear, with the coast guard stating on Monday that an investigation into the crash’s cause is ongoing.